The figures are open to interpretation, although they could represent <a title="Maico Akiba Crafts Migrating Animals Carrying Pieces of Civilization" href="http://listofeverything.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/list-of-animals-that-migrate-animal-migration-list/" target="_blank">migrating animals</a> looking for a better life while having to put up with human ‘progress’ on their backs.

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Sekai Animal Sculptures by Maico Akiba

Akiba’s Sekai sculptures are also available in even tinier versions designed to be used as cell phone straps.

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Sekai Animal Sculptures by Maico Akiba

Japanese artist Maico Akiba crafts tiny ecosystems on the backs of tortoises, gorillas and polar bears. Simply called ‘Sekai’ (World), this intricately crafted collection figures is both kawaii and a bit odd.